HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S)

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
The worldwide Unitel’s H2S production
market for H2S technology was
continues to grow at developed in the
mid-80’s.
an impressive rate. The process was first
H2S is used to make demonstrated in
mercaptans, other a commercial unit
downstream chemicals located near
and for mining and Rotterdam in The EUROPE - 48 MTPD H2S Production Facility. Licensed &
Engineered by Unitel Technologies. Photo used with permission
metallurgy applications. Netherlands. Since
Unitel has recently that time, the reactor
provided the technology has been designed to
and engineering & design work with a variety of
for two commercial H2S feedstocks including
plants -- a unit located those that contain the
in Europe to make 48 8S form of sulfur. The
MTPD of H2S while the process has also been
other one in Southeast optimized to yield a
Asia includes two trains turndown ratio of
each producing 60 100% down to 30%. SOUTHEAST ASIA - H2S Production Facility, two trains
each 60 MTPD. Licensed & Engineered by Unitel
MTPD of H2S. Technologies.
H2S APPLICATIONS
In the past, hydrogen sulfide was usually
obtained from “sour gas” contained in
natural gas.

Nowadays the preferred route for making

pure hydrogen sulfide is to react sulfur with
hydrogen.

Methyl Mercaptan: CH3SH

This is one of the most important intermediates
made from H2S. It is used to produce methionine
which is the only sulfur containing amino acid and
is used extensively as a food supplement in the
poultry industry. Methionine is currently a $3 billion
dollar market with a 5% growth rate.

Hydro Metallurgical Extract Gas Odorizers

H2S is used to extract nickel out of limonite type Ethyl Mercaptan and t-Butyl Mercaptan are
laterite ores. The mined ores are leached with widely used as gas odorizers by pipeline
sulfuric acid and then subjected to a H2S reduction companies. Both these compounds are made
process to remove copper. The pH is adjusted to by reacting appropriate feeds with H2S.
about 2.5 and the liquid is then reacted with H2S
to selectively precipitate the nickel and cobalt
compounds.

Methyl Methionine
Mercaptan Pesticides
CH3SH Oil & Gas
Hydrogen
Hydro Metallurgical
Hydrogen Sulfide
Extractant for
(H2S)
Nickel/Cobalt
Sulfur
Other Mercaptans
Gas Odorizers
Ethyl Mercaptan
t-Butyl Mercaptan Polymers

Minor applications: sodium hydrosulfide (NaSH), etc.

H2S PRODUCTION PROCESS

Operating Parameters:
• System operating pressure ≈ 8 bar (100 psig) Hydrogen sulfide is commercially
• H2 supply pressure >10 bar (~150 psig) produced by reacting hydrogen
• Bright liquid supply temp. ≈ 135°C-150°C with molten sulfur at elevated
(275°F-300°F) temperatures.
• Reaction temperature ≈ 425°C-480°C (800°F-900°F)

Raw Materials & Utilities

Per metric ton of H2S. • Bright liquid sulfur ≈ 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs)
98% conversion of H2 to H2S and10% blowdown of S • Power connected load ≈ 10 kWh
• Hydrogen (>99% purity @ 10 bar) ≈ 740 m3 • Steam @ 4 bar ≈ 150 kg (330 lbs)
(26,000 SCF) • Cooling water @ 30°C ≈ 40 m3 (1400 ft3)
Integral Reactor & Quench Tower
• The reactor is a vertical tower filled with molten
sulfur at 425°C to 480°C (800°F to 900°F).
• The quench tower is directly mounted on the
reactor and operates at a temperature of 135°C
(275°F).
• Due to the temperature variance in the reactor
and the quench tower, special designs have
been utilized to minimize thermal stresses and
buckling.
• The internals are designed to eliminate the
formation of high viscosity polymeric sulfur
pockets.
If you are interested in learning more about Hydrogen Sulfide
Production Technology, please contact Unitel Technologies:
Special Features of Unitel’s H2S
Process
• The process is adaptive to various categories of
sulfur feedstock.
• Ash in the sulfur can build up in the reactor.
Some sulfur is periodically removed to keep the
ash level below a prescribed minimum.
• Typically the blowdown amounts to
approximately 10% of the feed sulfur.
• The Unitel design enables a rapid response to
changes in operating conditions.
• Unitel’s process offers a high turndown ratio from
100% to 30%.
• Unitel has addressed the special problem posed
by the 8S form of sulfur present at 25-50 ppm.
• Swing duty sulfur gettering beds are used
downstream of the condensers.
• Speed control of primary sulfur pump slaved to
sulfur level in the reactor.
479 Business Center Drive #105
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Tel: 847-297-2265
www.uniteltech.com